Chad Wilt Emphasized a 'We' Mentality to the Defense.

Image: Indiana University Athletics

Written by Matt Smith

Following a week one victory against Illinois the Hoosier defense will head back to practice this week to prepare for Idaho. The defense played well and guys like Cam Jones and Tiawan Mullen impressed in the first week.

One of the biggest keys for the Hoosiers victory last week was trying to contain Chase Brown who is one of the best running backs in the conference. Brown was able to rush for almost 200 yards against the Hoosiers.

“We are not a bend, but don’t break defense,” defensive coordinator Chad Wilt said during his Monday press conference. “ We’re going to bring pressure, we’re going to be aggressive, that’s just not our MO.”

Wilt wasn’t pleased with Brown’s ability to get to the second level of the defense, but he praised Mullen and Jaylin Williams for their ability to prevent big plays throughout the majority of the game.

One thing that Wilt wants to see improvement on as the Hoosiers progress into game week is their tackling. According to Wilt, they need to do a better job of how they tackle, in their approach and how they finish.

Another player that impressed was Bradley Jennings, who had a huge sack for the Hoosiers in their week one matchup.

“Bradley wants to get better each day he shows up, he’s here on a mission,” Wilt said.

To speak to Jennings’ character, Wilt said he received a text from Jennings at 1:30 in the morning following the win, asking about what he can do in order to improve his play.

Wilt also wanted to emphasize to his players that they as a unit created that sack. Wilt said that one of the players took away the quarterback's read, allowing Jennings to get the sack.

“Bradley made the play, but we made the play as a defense,” Wilt said. “We’re really trying to emphasize that with the defense. That when we do the right things, and when we do the little things, we’re a really good defense.”

Beau Robbins was a player that stepped up with the injury to James Head, who is day to day.

“Work, work, work. Keeps his head down. Does not say boo,” Wilt said while praising Robbins.

Wilt learned a lot about his defense Friday night, when they stepped up at the goal line.

“Heart, will, grit, competitiveness, love for each other,” Wilt said.

The Hoosier defense will look to continue to grow this week as they prepare for Idaho Saturday night at home.